The year-round couch crashers from all over the country are a constant — and sometimes annoying — reminder of just how good we have it with our endless summers here in SoCal. But that doesn’t mean we don’t still get giddy as Memorial Day approaches, whispering promises of warm sand between our toes, outdoor shows, and maybe even a fetching fling or two.

And, since we take this season extremely seriously here at R29 L.A. (Summer Fridays, holla!), we’ve highlighted the meat and potatoes (or beets and kale) of what this time means to us. Like when your steering wheel practically gives you a third-degree burn and the only cure is a Coolhaus ice cream sando. Or when your pool-crashing plan gets the kibosh and you've gotta make a quick BFF for a backyard dip.

Consider this list of 29 hot summer indicators your alert to bust out those dusty bikinis, pretty picnic blankets, and faux tanners, because you have one long staycation ahead of you, folks.

Got SoCal summer memories you care to share? Don't hesitate to let us know the things that spell out the season for you in the comments!

When Annex by Geren Ford opened its doors less than one year ago, it totally changed our perception of shopping. Created by designer Geren Lockhart, the concept shop is home to a slew of current SoCal collections, vintage gems, and one-of-a-kind accessories. Annex is somewhere between retail, gallery, and event space, and — naturally — we go a little bit credit-card crazy every time we visit.

So, leave it to the cooler-than-cool spot to host a truly heavenly fusion of art, fashion, and shopping with its summer kickoff fete. This Friday, guests can groove to live music provided by The Peach Kings and wash down their Sprinkles cupcakes with refreshing IXA Tequila margaritas...all while browsing one of L.A.’s most sumptuous sartorial selections.

With labels like Wren, Muses & Rebels, Magda Berliner, Loden Dager, and Rebecca Craven stuffing the racks, the Annex certainly seems like the perfect backdrop for an atypical summer soirée. Be sure to RSVP for the first official shindig of the season at rsvp@gerenford.com and take note of the deets below.

When: Friday, May 25, 2 to 7 p.m.
Where: The Annex, 1034 Seward Street (at Santa Monica Boulevard); 213-689-9500.



Photo: Via Facebook/Geren Ford

Although some people's idea of a dream eve out is a crazy gourmet meal at Bouchon, we're looking for something a bit more left of center to knock our socks off. And, you know, sometimes we don't even know what we want (even though you'd never catch us admitting it!).

So, to conquer that panicked indecision the next time we all get a text to the effect of, "What's up for Saturday," we've formulated some tried-and-tested excursions for a truly novel night out. From stargazing in Griffith Park to biking on the Boardwalk, these ideas are the epitome of cool courtship, and the building blocks of a sweet love story (think rehearsal-dinner fodder, ha!). Follow our lead, and we'll promise you this: By the time the goodnight kiss rolls around, you'll have way more to remember than just a hot make-out sesh.

Well dears, that's a wrap. With a long weekend on the horizon (hallelujah!), we can't blame you if you're full-tilt toward Memorial Day festivities. But just for good measure, we've dug up some of the week's best events that will whet your appetite for the fun to come. And as for the weekend, we think we've found a few that may make your fair-weather friends wish they'd stayed in town. From crafty sessions at Space 15 Twenty to drive-in movie theater throwbacks and sweet Jazz festivals — these are the L.A. events you'll want to pencil in.

Sewing Workshop at PUR Vintage: Machine Sewing
Got a whole list of DIY projects on the back-burner? Yeah, us too. Put those digits to work this Tuesday at Space 15 Twenty and learn the basics of machine sewing for just 10 bucks. A worthy life investment, we think (imagine all the finery you can buy with all of that leftover dough from your nonexistent tailoring bill!).
When: Tuesday, May 22; 6 p.m.
Where: Space 15 Twenty, 1520 North Cahuenga (at Sunset Boulevard).
Price: $10 per class, all supplies included.

Liane La Havas at The Bootleg Theater
This stylish songstress has been on our radar since we caught a YouTube video of her cheeky performance on Later with Jools Holland. She's got stage presence in spades and will surely brighten up your Tuesday evening.
When: Tuesday, May 22; Doors at 7:30 p.m., Show at 8:30 p.m.
Where: The Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Boulevard (at Roselake Avenue); 213-389-3856.
Price: $10 advance, purchase here.

The Goonies at Devil’s Night Drive-In
When's the last time you went to a drive-in movie theater? For many of us, that answer would be: "Uh, never!" Consider Devil's Night Drive-In your intro to the retro wonder that was. The fact that The Goonies is being screened makes the night carry that much more magic. A few words on the food sitch: Car hops deliver munchies to your spot and you're welcome to BYOB. (Poodle skirts and Greaser jackets are sadly not mandatory).
When: Saturday, May 26, 8:30 p.m.
Where: Devil’s Night Drive-In, 240 West 4th (at Broadway Street); 310-584-1086.
Price: $10 pre-sale; $12 at the gate. Buy tickets here.

Silverlake Jubilee
When we look at the poster for The Silverlake Jubilee, what do we see? Well, there's food trucks, beer gardens, shopping, and comedy. Sounds good, right? Throw in a long lineup of musical acts, and we do believe we have your Memorial Day Weekend locked down!
When: Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27, noon to 11 p.m.
Where: 4219 Santa Monica Boulevard (and surrounding streets).
Price: $20 single-day pass; $35 two-day pass. Purchase here.

26th Annual JazzReggae Festival with The Roots and Gary Clark Jr.
Chill out at the 26th Annual JazzReggae Festival and you just might find yourself in a sunny state of mind when terrible Tuesday rolls around. Who are we most psyched about seeing? Gary Clark Jr., who really wowed us in Indio. A little bit like Dan Auerbach, but — dare we say it? — sexier.
When: Sunday, May 27; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: UCLA Intramural Field, UCLA Campus, 405 Hilgard Avenue (at Wyton Drive); 310-825-4321.
Price: $29 to $50; Purchase here.

Photos: Via Liane La Havas/Facebook, Goonies/Facebook

Way back in January, we invited you to join us for the indie RAWards, where over 3,000 artists from all across the U.S. competed to showcase their wow-worthy work. We hate to say it, but if you didn't make it, you missed out on some stellar sartorial intel. This place was teeming with fledgling designers that are going to blow up faster than you can say Project Runway!

We fell so hard for one specific designer, Mariel Rojo, that we ended up sporting her gorg gown on the Golden Globes red carpet (perma blush ensued thanks to the insane onslaught of compliments).

Well, the plot thickens: It turns out we weren't the only eyes ogling and clamoring for this Philly gal's designs. It looks like Fred Segal has now picked them up and we're over the moon for Mariel! Bonus: You can still be the first of your friends to meet this ingenue before she reaches BFD status tonight at the RAWards Fashion and Accessories Winners Trunk Show and Reception.

Just head to Fred Segal Santa Monica and say sayonara to this work week by sipping some vino, downing a cupcake (or two), and toasting the new red-carpet regalia gal in town!

When: Friday, May 18, 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: Fred Segal, 500 Broadway Street (Near 5th Street); 310-451-8080.

Photo: Courtesy of Mariel Rojo

We hope you've noticed that we've been revving up our fitness-related sitch on the site lately. And, well, we know all of you don't live right here in the heart of L.A., so the latest installment to our healthy living guide to SoCal is for the SD peeps (holler!). And if you don't live way down South, we're sure you'll plan a visit soon (that zoo is worth a trip alone, and don't get us started on Sea World, ha!). No matter where you dwell, we've got some helpful hints to keep you cleansed and in tip-top shape, whether you're on vacay, or just getting through the daily grind.


Photo: Via Bar Method San Diego

Break A Sweat

The Bar Method San Diego
Located in Point Loma, the Bar Method is perfect for those of you looking to get a quick dance conditioning class in, while on the run. We've hit up these interval training courses in Lala, and noticed our muscles feeling longer in just a few sessions. (They bump such great tunes, too!).
The Bar Method San Diego, 2751 Roosevelt Road, Suite 200 (Between Historic Decatur and Cushing roads); 619-226-2301.

Evolve Health & Fitness
This gym's guaranteed to have something for everyone with spin, Gravity (they call it "Pilates on Steroids"), and fusion strength-training classes. And they only allow nine participants per class, so you know you're getting hands-on help. The best part? Your first entrée is only five bucks!
Evolve Health & Fitness, 1618 West Lewis Street (between Stevens Street and Palmetto Way); 619-550-7378.

La Jolla Sports Club
Picturesque La Jolla is always first on our list of places to stop when visiting the San Diego area, and this sports club is just as posh as its surroundings. They have differing levels of membership depending on your budge (and realistic gym-going goals), and even offer nutritional counseling to pair up with your exercise plan.
La Jolla Sports Club, 7825 Fay Avenue (near Silverado Street); 858-456-2595.

North Park Fitness
This sweat lodge is one of the most affordable we've found in the area, and the $29.99 per month price beats any quote we've ever gotten in L.A. — we're actually kind of jealous! They have top-of-the-line equipment, extended hours for busy gals about town, boxing classes, and even Zumba (have you tried it yet? Obessed!).
North Park Fitness, 3049 University Avenue (at Grim Avenue); 619-255-4830.

Yes, our brows have been beyond furrowed by tomorrow's sure-to-be mad dash for passes to next year's Coachella, sans even a hint of who will be headlining. But, we're glad to see someone can poke some fun at the organizers' hubris with this recently leaked phony poster. We have been LOLing all morning over the fictitious festival call-out, and had to share.

We'd have to say from last year's (err, this year's) shenanigans, our top headliners would have to be No Cell Service, Being Broke For The Rest Of April, Forgetting Where You Parked (oh the stories we could tell!), and yes...despite it all, Fond Memories.

What are your can't-miss acts on this oh-so-true satirical lineup? Please do share your polo-field woes below! (Laughing Squid)

Photo: Via Laughing Squid

That’s a wrap, folks. Another successful seven days are (almost) behind us. And if your mind is already wandering to the week ahead, we feel you. As you may know, we’re on the hunt to bring you buzzy happenings in L.A. — all week long. And this time we have a really jazzy lineup. Seriously. From sake tastings to block parties, these are events you’ll want to put in your iCal, stat. Mid-week boredom, begone.

Sunset Walk & Shop
Any event that combines goodies and grub, we’re all about. That said, you’ll probably spot us lurking around the Sunset Walk & Shop event next Sunday. This cool shindig offers up items from 40 local designers and artists, all at super low prices (rad). Plus, there will be tons of food trucks on-site.
When: Sunday, May 20, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 8240 Sunset Boulevard (near Harper Avenue).

Barry McGee at PRISM Gallery
Renowned street artist Barry McGee is headed back to PRISM for another thrilling, color-soaked exhibition. The exhibit kicked off Friday, but will run until June 30. We recommend strolling in on a weekday (for a quieter viewing) to peep McGee’s captivating, geometric works.
When: Through June 30, Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: PRISM, 8746 West Sunset Boulevard (near Sherboume Drive); 310-289-1301.

The Hudson Block Party
Who doesn’t fancy a good ol’ block party? We know we do. Well, hip eatery The Hudson is upping the ante and throwing a pretty peppy neighborhood fete. Equipped with yummy food and beverages, the event will also feature music by White Rabbits and Of Montreal, along with DJ sets by LP, Skeet Skeet, and more. There will also be a photobooth. You in?
When: Sunday, May 20, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: The Hudson, 1114 North Crescent Heights Boulevard (at Santa Monica Boulevard); 323-654-6686.
Price: $10 before 2 p.m., $15 after; Buy tickets here.

CHAYA Sake Festival
Never been sake tasting? Well, why not let the pros over at CHAYA introduce you over 26 different types. At its first-ever sake-tasting event you’ll enjoy live beats while noshing on complimentary sushi. Sounds like a pretty sweet evening to us.
When: Friday, May 18, 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: CHAYA Downtown Los Angeles, 525 South Flower Street (between 5th and 6th streets); 213-236-9577.

Echo Park PDA Walk
It’s no secret that L.A. is a hotbed of creativity. So, why not get up and out of the house and peep it in person. The Echo Park PDA (public displays of art) Walk is chock-full of hip workshops, live art, music, and shopping. It’s a goodie. So, don’t miss it.
When: Saturday, May 19, 12 to 6 p.m.
Where: Along Echo Park Avenue and Sunset Boulevard.

Photo: Via PRISM

With the weekend right around the bend, you’ve probably already started to plot your plans for the next two days. And since we believe days off and DIYs were practically made for one another, the Echo Park Craft Fair is on our must-hit leisure list, for sure.

The event will feature cool creations from over 20 local artisans — including notables Beatrice Valenzuela, Kathryn Bentley, Anne Costello Brown, and All For The Mountain. Pretty sweet selections, no? Perhaps all you procrastinators can snatch up something blingy for mom while you’re at it? Oh, and did you know Echo Park’s lauded juice masters, Juice Maids, will be on the spot serving up their tasty medleys? Time to get crafty! Who’s down?

When: Saturday, May 12, Sunday May, 13, 1 to 5 p.m.
Where: Echo Park Craft Fair, 1461 Carroll Avenue (at Edgeware Road).

Photo: Via Rachel Craven

When it comes to the L.A. mindset on getting trim, there are two types of girls. There's that bright-eyed and bushy-tailed babe hitting the gym in the wee hours every morn, eating endless amounts of kale, and getting her B12 shots bi-weekly. Then, there are the chicas (and we happen to fall into this category) who get their health kick where they can, and mostly prefer to nosh on pizza and candy. For the lasses in the latter group — we hate to break it to ya — but those bikini-required heat waves are nigh, and it's high time to hustle your bustle to get that tush in gear. (We'd hate to see you get out-flaunted by those Stepford-style Precor bunnies!).

In all seriousness though — and for obvious reasons regardless of the season — we all could use a little health-nut action in our lives. That's why we've rounded up a slew of our fave butt-kicking workouts, sweat palaces, and healthy eateries to help you get serious about your physique and long-term wellness plan. Don't worry, we threw in a few spas to reward your hard work, too. Think of 'em as dessert!


Photo: Via Los Angeles Athletic Club

Break A Sweat

L.A. Athletic Club
This downtown space boasts squash courts and the most beautiful 25-yard lap pool in all of L.A. (they keep it at 82 degrees!). If you're looking to shake things up, those are certainly two workouts you don't find everywhere!
Los Angeles Athletic Club, 431 West 7th Street (Near South Hill Street); 213-625-2211.

Crunch
Perched atop Sunset, Crunch really offers one of the best bangs for your buck. They've recently had their own makeover, and it's looking squeaky clean! The best part? Here's just a small sampling of their eclectic classes: What You Knead, Pound, Cardio Tai Box, Lower Body Glide, Beach Body, Hip Hop, Funk, Afro-Brazilian Dance.
Crunch, 8000 Sunset Boulevard (Near North Crescent Heights); 323-654-4550.

Easton
This incognito mini-gym on Beverly is the workout haven for scenesters who prefer not to be seen in their sweats. And you know it's gotta be legit if founder Harvey Easton was the original celebrity trainer for Old Hollywood giants like Cary Grant, Gregory Peck, and Kirk Douglas.
Easton Gym, Easton Gym, 8053 Beverly Boulevard (Near North Crescent Heights Boulevard); 323-651-3636.

Equinox
Quite the opposite of the last gym, Equinox is where you'll find the city's movers and shakers looking to meet and greet while they tread that mill. Better pack your perfect little lululemon ensemble for this Weho hotspot; you may just score a buff date! (Sidenote: Grace Lazenby's Rockin' Model Workout is the best thing to hit the studio since Jazzercise!).
Equinox, 8590 West Sunset Boulevard (Near Sunset Plaza Drive); 310-659-3620.

Spectrum
Not many people know about this Palisades gym, but almost every machine overlooks the sparkling Pacific, taking the edge off of that faux-mountain you're climbing on the elliptical! It's a hop, skip, and a jump off PCH for any of you SM, Brentwood, and Venice dwellers. Another beautiful aspect: You won't have to wait a year for equipment like you would at so many other spots. Oh, and their smoothies are delicious, too!
Spectrum Club Palisades, 17383 Sunset Boulevard (Near Castellammare Drive); 310-459-2582.

Are you months overdue on starting that New Year’s workout regimen? Well, don’t freak out just yet. Sure, the new-year-new-you ship may have sailed, but it isn’t too late to bust your booty just in time for the fast-approaching beach days, outdoor soirées, and pool hangs—trust. The upcoming months are chock-full of festivities that require a lot fewer layers, so you’re going to need to update more than just your wardrobe. It really snuck up on us, no?

So, to help get your physique looking fly, well, on the fly—we turned to celeb trainer and fitness connoisseur Stephanie Vitorino at Equinox. She’s offering up seriously easy-peasy moves to get the exercise ball rolling on our new rock-hard bod plan. Ready to get your heart rate going? Here are 16 workouts you can do right at home to get you in tip-top shape, stat. Plus, she’s thrown in a few healthy eating and living tips for good measure. So, basically, we worked out with a trainer so you don't have to. Ready, set, sweat.

Photographed by Miha Matei

While we love admiring a good ol’ Van Gogh as much as the next art-ogler, we have to admit that we've got a soft spot for street artists. And ever since Exit Through The Gift Shop, pretty much everyone and their mothers is on the same page (err, wall). Well, thanks to uber-cool gallery LAB ART, it looks like Angelenos are in for a visual treat, to indulge that obsession.

A display of over 25 local artists is taking over the Mondrian for an edgy pop-up shop, cherry-picked by curator siblings Iskander Lemseffer and Rachel Joelson. From artistic iterations of the iconic Monopoly man, to DD$’s trippy sculptures, you can bet there will be something for everyone to gawk at. So, take a gander, grab a drink, and discuss your night's finds poolside at Sky Bar afterwards.

When: Sunday to Thursday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday to Saturday, noon to midnight
Where: Mondrian, 8440 Sunset Boulevard (near North Olive Drive); 323-650-8999.

Art: By Benjamin Alejandro, DD$, and Desire Obtain Cherish